Pietari Inkinen conducts Sibelius: Complete Symphonies [4-disc set]

Pietari Inkinen and the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra released only Symphony No. 2 in 2014, and anticipation for the complete set has been building, so the long-awaited Sibelius (1865-1957) symphony cycle is finally here. Initially, the plan was to use the already released take of Symphony No. 2 (live at Suntory Hall), but the Minato Mirai performance was also a rare masterpiece, and the staff wanted everyone to hear it as well, so the April 20th take was included in the complete set.
Conductor Pietari Inkinen, an authority on Sibelius, has completed a cycle with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra for NAXOS, as you may know. Sibelius is also an important composer for the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. The world's first stereo recording of the complete Sibelius symphonies with founder Akio Watanabe is truly a legendary achievement.
The 2013 Sibelius cycle by the Japan Philharmonic and Inkinen was truly exciting. At Inkinen's press conference prior to the performance, he spoke passionately about his commitment to Sibelius, and what he emphasized most was the performance order and combination of the pieces. He particularly recognized Nos. 6 and 7 as "works with a very similar style," and he wanted to transition directly into No. 7 after No. 6, and he adhered to this rule on this album, recording the two works consecutively.
There is no need to explain in detail the performance of each piece. Just listen carefully. The perfect Sibelius sound and magnificent worldview are sure to captivate everyone.